AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Cancer, Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) awarded the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) a Texas Regional Excellence in Cancer (TREC) $6 million grant. TREC is a grant program administered by CPRIT designed to strengthen cancer research at institutions located in regions of Texas that have historically received low levels of cancer research funding. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, along with CPRIT Board Member Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, have been advocating for more cancer funding in South Texas.

In 2021, Senator Hinojosa wrote a letter to Dee Margo, Presiding Officer of CPRIT, stating his interest in bolstering the faculty and facilities at emerging research institutions so that they to can participate in the critical research and development occurring across medical fields, including cancer research. In 2022, Senator Hinojosa wrote a letter of support for UTRGV’s application submitted to CPRIT for this grant.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“Congratulations to UTRGV for receiving this $6 million grant award from CPRIT which will further help strengthen cancer research in the Rio Grande Valley. This grant will build on the work and investments we have made locally and with direct state appropriations to increase cancer care and research in the region. I appreciate CPRIT leadership, including Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, for their support and this award that will allow the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer to grow and help us address cancer related health disparities in South Texas.”

The $6 million grant to UTRGV will support the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer research. This Center is focused on reducing cancer health disparities in the border region. The mission of the Center is to address and provide innovative scientific discoveries, reduce cancer-related health disparities in the Rio Grande Valley, improve the quality of patient care and serve as the leader for cancer research in the RGV.

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